2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the spacious 2025 Buick Enclave and the hyper-efficient 2026 Lexus NX boils down to your daily priorities. If maximum passenger and cargo volume is key, the Enclave is physically larger, measuring 207.6 inches long compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, offering a more substantial road presence. However, the Enclave asks you to settle for a combined 23 MPG, whereas the incredibly frugal NX delivers an impressive 40 MPG combined, translating to significant long-term fuel savings. Furthermore, performance seekers will notice the Enclave packs a punch with 328 hp versus the NX's 240 hp, an 88 hp advantage for the Buick. While the Enclave starts at $45,100, the NX undercuts it slightly at $44,175, making the price point similar, but the running costs diverge widely due to that substantial 17 MPG gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its outstanding 40 MPG combined fuel economy, which dramatically reduces running costs.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave is the winner for families because its larger exterior dimensions hint at superior interior space for passengers and gear.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave appeals more to enthusiasts, offering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Lexus.
2026 Lexus NX
Despite a similar starting MSRP, the NX offers superior value through extreme fuel efficiency, achieving 17 more combined MPG.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- You frequently haul many passengers or require maximum cargo room behind the third row.
- You prefer robust acceleration, utilizing the 328 hp engine over a smaller motor.
- You prioritize using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium fuel recommendations.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Achieving near 40 MPG combined is your single most important metric for daily driving.
- You need a smaller, more nimble crossover with lower width (73.4 inches vs. 79.6 inches).
- You are looking for the lower entry price point at $44,175 compared to the Buick's $45,100.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 183.5" |
| Width | 79.6" | 73.4" |
| Height | 71.0" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | โ |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 609.0/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | โ | โ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Sun Sensor | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | โ |
| Speaker System | 12 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | โ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | โ |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Size | โ | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | โ | โ |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | โ | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Lexus NX.
Which crossover is better for road trips regarding fuel stops?
The 2026 Lexus NX is significantly better, boasting a 40 MPG combined rating versus the Buick Enclave's 23 MPG combined. This 17 MPG difference means the NX requires substantially fewer stops for fuel on long highway journeys.
Is the power difference between the two substantial for merging onto highways?
Yes, the power difference is noticeable; the Enclave offers 328 hp, while the NX provides only 240 hp. If quick acceleration and passing power are vital, the 88 hp advantage held by the Buick is a key factor.
Do these vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
No, they differ on fuel requirements. The 2025 Buick Enclave is designed for regular unleaded, while the 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded, which can affect long-term running costs despite the NX's better MPG.
How much larger is the Buick Enclave in overall size?
The Enclave is considerably larger overall; it is 207.6 inches long, while the NX measures only 183.5 inches long. This difference in length (over 24 inches) likely translates directly to more substantial interior volume, though cargo figures are similar at 22.9 cu ft vs. 22.7 cu ft.
Are there large differences in their transmissions?
Yes, the Buick utilizes a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Lexus NX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). This affects the feel of acceleration and power delivery.
Which vehicle has a better starting price?
The 2026 Lexus NX has a slight edge with an MSRP of $44,175 compared to the 2025 Buick Enclave starting at $45,100. While close, the NX is the cheaper buy-in option.
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